OVERVIEW OF JSON WEB
TOKENS (JWT)
NAGARAJE URS
INTRODUCTION TO JWT
• JSON Web Tokens (JWT) provide a compact, self-contained
way to transmit information between parties in a secure
manner.
• - Widely used for authentication and authorization in web
development.
JWT STRUCTURE
• Composed of three parts: Header, Payload, and Signature.
• - Header contains the type of token and signing algorithm.
• - Payload holds the claims – statements about an entity
(typically the user).
• - Signature ensures the token's integrity and authenticity.
HOW JWT WORKS
• Composed of three parts: Header, Payload, and Signature.
• - Header contains the type of token and signing algorithm.
• - Payload holds the claims – statements about an entity
(typically the user).
• - Signature ensures the token's integrity and authenticity.
USE CASES OF JWT
• Authentication: Verify the identity of users.
• - Authorization: Define what actions a user can perform.
• - Information Exchange: Transmit data securely between
parties.
ADVANTAGES OF JWT
• Compact: Efficient for transmission.
• - Stateless: No need to store session information on the
server.
• - Versatile: Supports various algorithms and use cases.
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
• Always use HTTPS to prevent interception.
• - Validate and verify tokens to prevent tampering.
• - Be cautious with sensitive information in tokens.
IMPLEMENTING JWT
• Choose a suitable library for your programming
language/framework.
• - Follow best practices for token generation and validation.
JWT LIBRARIES AND TOOLS
• Libraries: jsonwebtoken (Node.js), PyJWT (Python), java-jwt
(Java).
• - Tools: jwt.io for debugging and validating tokens.
Real-World Examples
• - Authentication in Single Sign-On (SSO) systems.
• - Authorization in microservices architectures.
Challenges and Limitations
• - Token size: Large payloads can impact performance.
• - Invalidation: Limited options for token revocation.
Conclusion
• - JWT is a powerful tool for secure information exchange.
• - Understanding its structure, usage, and security considerations is
essential for effective implementation.
